Happy Christmas and thermals galore in 2015

By Sydney Lenssen.

As newly anointed president of the British Association of Radio Control Soarers, I should like to join with chairman Robin Sleight and members of the committee to wish all Barcs members, and indeed all soarers, a very happy Christmas and successful New Year, with plenty of thermals at the right time.

As we approach the New Year, many of us make resolutions. Some do not last for very long. Allow me to suggest a special set worth keeping for the whole year.

The internet has made a fantastic difference over the past few years to competition flying and especially the organisation of contests. One of the less fortunate aspects of the widespread use of computers is that securing entries into the various events is left until the very last moment. Often the matrix is being juggled late into the night before the event. Early in the morning, whatever the weather, the same dedicated handful of people set out the field and assemble the equipment. And most times, it is the same few people who clear up the field and load all the bits and pieces to take home for the next time.

My simple suggestions, if we want make sure that competitions thrive, are these:

• As soon as you have decided to enter, then let the organiser know as early as possible, preferably two or three weeks beforehand.
• Unless you have a 200 mile drive or more to get to the site, then please turn up at least 30 minutes before you start assembling your models and setting out winches, and help.
• Finally, and perhaps most importantly, stay behind after the prize giving until the field is packed up and clear.

That will make everyone much happier. Please, let us do it!

Sydney Lenssen